1384.6 - Statistics - Tasmania, 2007

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 10/05/2004

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Contents >> Forestry >> Management of forests >> Multiple-use forests

Forestry Tasmania managed 1,310,000 hectares of multiple-use forest at 30 June 2003. In managing multiple-use forests, Forestry Tasmania aims to balance human needs and the maintenance of diverse forest eco-systems.

Good management following this principle involves the balanced provision of all resources, goods and services while retaining the biological, social and cultural values of the forest. To achieve this, multiple-use forests embrace:

long term research sites;

conservation areas;

sustainable wood production areas;

non-timber products such as leatherwood honey;

recreation opportunities such as bushwalking and four-wheel driving; and

visitor facilities and tourism developments.

TOURISM

Tourism and recreation are keystones in Forestry Tasmania's vision of multiple-use forests. These opportunities will increase with the Statewide tourism strategy, which develops and markets high-profile tourism destinations in State forests. The first of these, the Tahune Air Walk and Visitors Centre in the Huon District, opened on 1 July 2001.

The Air Walk and the Scottsdale Forest Eco Centre in the north-east have together won 13 prestigious awards. A maze at Dismal Swamp in the north-west is due to open in April 2004.

Forestry Tasmania worked with other State Government agencies to produce Tasmanian Walking Track Strategies. This paper resulted in upgrades of the 'Great Short Walks' tracks around the State, and visitor facilities in the Great Western Tiers.

Another Forestry Tasmania initiative led to a partnership with the Institute of TAFE Tasmania, Drysdale and the Forest Education Foundation for tourism training packages. These aim to raise service standards for Forestry Tasmania, other Tasmanian forest tourism operators, community groups, and tourism students.